The ultimate expression of life is not a
paycheck. The ultimate expression of life is not a Mercedes. The
ultimate expression of life is not a million dollars or a bank
account or a home. Here's the ultimate expression of life in my
opinion, and that is living a good life. Here's what we must ask
constantly, "What for me would be a good life?" And you have to
keep going over and over the list. A list including areas such
as spirituality, economics, health, relationships and
recreation. What would constitute a good life? I've got a short
list.

1) Number one,
productivity. You won't be happy if you don't produce. The
game of life is not rest. We must rest, but only long enough to
gather strength to get back to
productivity. What's the reason for the seasons and the
seeds, the soil and the sunshine, the rain and the miracle of
life? It's to see what you can do with it. To try your hand,
other people have tried their hand; here's what they did. You
try your hand to see what you can do. So part of life is
productivity.

2) Next are good friends.
Friendship
is probably the greatest support system in the world. Don't deny
yourself the time to develop this support system. Nothing can
match it. It's extraordinary in its benefit. Friends are those
wonderful people who know all about you and still like you. I
just lost one of my dearest friends. He died at age 53 - heart
attack. David is gone, but he was one of my very special
friends. I used to say of David that if I was stuck in a foreign
jail somewhere accused unduly and if they would allow me one
phone call, I would call David. Why? He would come and get me.
That's a friend. Somebody who would come and get you. Now we've
all got casual friends. And if you called them they would say,
"Hey, if you get back, call me we'll have a party." So you've
got to have both, real friends and casual friends.

3) Next on the list of a good life is your
culture. Your language, your music, the ceremonies, the
traditions, the dress. All of that is so vitally important that
you must keep it alive. In fact it is the uniqueness of all of
us that when blended together brings vitality, energy, power,
influence, uniqueness and rightness to the world.

4) Next is your
religion,
your spirituality. It helps to form the foundation of the
family that
builds the nation. And make sure you study, practice and teach.
Don't be careless about the spiritual part of your nature, it's
what makes us who we are, different from animal, dogs, cats,
birds and mice. Spirituality.

5) Next - here's what my parents taught me.
Don't miss anything. Don't miss the game. Don't miss the
performance, don't miss the movie, don't miss the show, don't
miss the dance. Go to everything you possible can. Buy a ticket
to everything you possibly can. Go see everything and experience
all you possible can. That's what my parents taught me and it's
served me so well to this day. Just before my father died at age
93 if you were to call him at 10:30 or 11:00 at night, he
wouldn't be home. He was at the rodeo, he was watching the kids
play softball, he was listening to the concert, he was at
church, he was somewhere every night.

Live a vital life. Here's one of the
reasons why. If you live well, you will earn well. If you live
well it will show in your face, it will show in the texture of
your voice. There will be something unique and magical about you
if you live well. It will infuse not only your personal life but
also your business life. And it will give you a vitality nothing
else can give.

6) Next are your
family and
the inner circle. Invest in them and they'll invest in you.
Inspire them and they'll inspire you. With your inner circle
take care of the details. When my father was still alive, I used
to call him when I traveled. He'd have breakfast most every
morning with the farmers. Little place called The Decoy Inn out
in the country where we lived in Southwest Idaho. So Papa would
go there and have breakfast and I'd call him just to give him a
special day. Now if I was in Israel, I'd have to get up in the
middle of the night, but it only took five minutes, ten minutes.
So I'd call Papa and they'd bring him the phone. I'd say, "Papa
I'm in Israel." He'd say, "Israel! Son, how are things in
Israel?" He'd talk real loud so everybody could hear - my son's
calling me from Israel. I'd say, "Papa last night they gave me a
reception on the rooftop underneath the stars overlooking the
Mediterranean." He'd say, "Son, a reception on the rooftop
underneath the stars overlooking the Mediterranean." Now
everybody knows the story. It only took 5 - 10 minutes, but what
a special day for my father, age 93.

If a father walks out of the house and he
can still feel his daughter's kiss on his face all day, he's a
powerful man. If a husband walks out of the house and he can
still feel the imprint of his wife's arms around his body he's
invincible all day. It's the special stuff with the inner circle
that makes you strong and powerful and influential. So don't
miss that opportunity. Here's the greatest value. The prophet
said, "There are many virtues and values, but here's the
greatest, one person caring for another." There is no greater
value than love. Better to live in a tent on the beach with
someone you love than to live in a mansion by yourself. One
person cares for another, that's one of life's greatest
expressions.

So make sure in your busy day to remember
the true purpose and the reasons you do what you do. May you
truly live the kind of life that will bring the fruit and
rewards that you desire.

I'm willing to admit
that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.

Gretchen's
Sweetheart Beanie - "This adorable knitted beanie pattern is the
perfect project to knit for your sweetie. This Sweetheart Beanie is
filled with cute cables and happy hearts. Knit this charming pattern for
someone who has a warm spot in your heart. This pretty pink hat is full
of delightful details that you'll love. Wear this fun beanie all winter
long or knit it as a personal Valentine's Day gift. Your loved one will
think of you as they stay warm with this hearty hat."

BONUS SWEETHEART RECIPES:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweetheart-cupcakes/ -
Sweetheart Cupcakes - "Instead of just
plain white cupcakes, I took it a step further and made them special. You can
change the colors for any holiday. Shades of green for St. Patrick's Day, pastel
colors for Easter, red white and blue for the 4th of July. You get the picture."

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Sweetheart-Coconut-Cookies -
Sweetheart
Coconut Cookies
- "Ruby-red jam and colored sugar add a
festive look to these crisp sandwich cookies that are perfect for Valentine's
Day. My husband loves coconut, so I'm always looking for new recipes to serve on
his birthday or holidays."

A young hiker was traveling thru a heavily wooded area and came upon a
Monastery full of friars and monks. He knocked on the door for
directions, however he was invited inside for "Fish and Chips" for
lunch.

After lunch he exclaimed that this was the most delicious fish and chips
he had ever eaten. Seeing a chef emerge from the kitchen, he raced over
and asked, "Are you the Fish Friar?

2. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 -The NNHS Class of June 1942
meets at noon on the second Wednesday of every other month
for a Dutch treat lunch at the James River Country Club,
1500 Country Club Road. PLEASE JOIN THEM. Give or take a few
years makes no difference. Good conversation, food and
atmosphere. For details, call Jennings Bryan at 803-7701 for
reservations.

Let me
call you Sweetheart
I'm in love with you.
Let me hear you whisper that you love me too.
Keep the lovelight glowing in your eyes so true
Let me call you Sweetheart
I'm in love with you!

I am dreaming, dear, of you
Day by day
Dreaming when the skies are blue,
When they're gray;
When the silv'ry moonlight gleams,
Still I wander on in dreams
In a land of love, it seems
Just with you....
Let me call you Sweetheart
I'm in love with you.
Let me hear you whisper that you love me too.
Keep the lovelight glowing in your eyes so true
Let me call you Sweetheart
I'm in love with you!